HomeInsightsInformation Commissioner’s Office publishes annual performance statistics for 2016/17

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The ICO has dealt with record numbers of data protection incidents, nuisance marketing cases and individual complaints. Releasing its annual performance statistics for 2016/17, Deputy Commissioner Simon Entwisle revealed that the regulator had received more reported data protection breaches and fined more companies for unlawful activities than ever before.

The ICO says that its free telephone helpline, new live chat service and new online reporting tool all helped make it easier for the public to report their concerns to the regulator. Audits and new self-assessment tools helped increase organisations’ awareness of their responsibilities.

It is expected that the ICO’s work will intensify next year as it prepares for the new General Data Protection Regulation, which introduces an even more rigorous data protection regime and stricter penalties for breaches. The new law comes into force on 25 May 2018. To read the ICO’s press release in full and to access the statistics, click here.

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